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A randomized targeted amino acid therapy with behaviourally at-risk adopted children

D R Cross1, G Kellermann, L B McKenzie

  • 1Department of Psychology, TCU, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA.

Child: Care, Health and Development
|December 21, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Nutritional interventions show promise for behaviorally at-risk children. Supplementation with L-theanine and 5-hydroxytryptophan improved biomarker levels and reduced behavioral issues in adopted children.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional Neuroscience
  • Child Psychology
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Rising rates of behavioral and emotional disorders in children necessitate alternative interventions.
  • Concerns regarding side effects of pharmacological treatments drive interest in nutritional approaches for pediatric behavioral issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a nutritional intervention using L-theanine and 5-hydroxytryptophan in children adopted from traumatic backgrounds.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized clinical trial was conducted.
  • The intervention involved L-theanine (a glutamine and glutamate analogue) and 5-hydroxytryptophan (serotonin precursor).
  • Participants were children adopted from traumatic backgrounds.

Main Results:

  • Significant increases in urinary serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) biomarkers were observed.
  • Parent reports indicated significant decreases in children's behavior problems.
  • The intervention demonstrated positive neurochemical and behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Initial findings suggest nutritional interventions are effective for behaviorally at-risk children.
  • Results align with growing evidence supporting nutritional approaches for pediatric behavioral health.
  • Further research is warranted to confirm these promising outcomes.
Abstract

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